Practice before MSF course

[shadowryder]

Hello everyone, I cannot call myself a rider as of yet because I have not completed the riding portion of the MSF course and my first ride up the incline out of my driveway on my 2006 Honda Shadow 600 VLX ended in my neighbors bushes resulting in a dropped bike, (which I need to learn to pick up by myself) the right foot peg being broken, handle bars knocked off line and the right rear turn signal jarred loose from its housing. I was shaken to the point that I almost forgot to turn the bike off while it was on the ground. At 52 years old I asked myself am I too old to learn to do this? Is it worth it? The helmet, the gloves, the jacket, the boots, the bike cost? Additionally, I thought about my inability to get through the 1st hour of the riding class on a blistering 104 degree day in July after experiencing some heat related symptoms. After realizing that am going to keep the bike and patiently waiting for my score from the knowledge portion of the MSF class to be passed on to the PA DVM so I can register for another riding class I want to practice riding on my own. Should I practice or should I wait until I complete the MSF course to practice on my own? The bike has been repaired there are some scratches on the upper exhaust pipe I plan to keep them there as a personal reminder.

[jstark47]

I would advise you not to practice. Sorry the first MSF didn't work out, but as you say, it was a broiling hot day. Hopefully it will be cooler when you re-take. MSF exercises are designed to take a person from complete inexperience to basic minimum proficiency in small steps that most people can master. IMO the exercises work best if you're not trying to unlearn bad habits at the same time.

There's a couple of MSF instructors on this forum, hopefully they'll chime in.

[shadowryder]

Thank You for your response I appreciate and will be patient.

[mogster]

. At 52 years old I asked myself am I too old to learn to do this? Is it worth it?

NO you are not too old to learn

YES it is worth it :D:D

Do not be discouraged. I think it would be wise to get more training before you venture out again tho. Take it slow & steady. You WILL get there

Oh &

[gerjets]

Echo what the others have said...

You'll gain confidence as you go through the course, plus you ride smaller bikes so that should help you. Biggest thing in my opinion is to NOT be afraid. Good luck - keep a clear head - be confident - and I'm sure you'll do fine!!!

[gsJack]

I too started riding at age 52 and had never heard of the MSF back then. I just bought a CB400 bike one day and got my rider son to ride it home for me, practiced in a parking lot for an hour that day, and got it out again and hit the streets the next morning alone. I remember having that feeling briefly that first day, what am I doing out here on this thing at my age. I kept on going never to feel that way again and 27 years and about 400k miles later I'm still riding every chance I get at age 79. No, you are not too old to start riding.

[flw]

If you feel up to it and have someone to guide you (current rider), is to only get the feel of the clutch friction zone.

Just make sure you have a clear/safe path in front of you and your only going to rock the bike back and forth to get the feel of the friction zone.

If feeling better then using the friction zone only (do not fully engage the clutch) walk the bike to the end of your safe path. Turn it around without using the engine/clutch, on foot power only. Repeat until you feel you can release the clutch handle fully.

Now wait till class. Mastering the clutch and knowing the gear pattern is critical and Chapter 1. If at any time you feel out of control, STOP. Listen to your brain but just for that day, not forever. Only practice when you feel mentally ready to.

[Lion_Lady]

One of the MSF instructors here.

Nope. Don't practice. Not even friction zone (at least not on YOUR motorcycle). You can practice the idea of the friction zone, while sitting on your sofa.

Thing is, the bikes in the BRC will feel different. You'll have the same bike both days on the range, so you won't have to learn the particular quirks of a different machine. But, the learner friendly bikes used in the course will have differing friction zones. Wait for better (cooler) weather and take the class again.

P

[dirt dobber]

well, my 2cents, i started at age 72, 1st, on a 250 Hyosung (2700 miles) 1 yr, 2nd,Yamaha tmax 500 (8600 miles)2yrs, then traded for a H-D almost 3 mo now have 3,642 miles on it. i learned around my house & H-D in a parking lot before i hit the road(they delivered it) 1 crash in a u-turn going up a hill, hurt me pretty good & bike (bruises). i'd like to take one of those courses But, not any around here. i ride with SOUTHERN CRUISERS RIDING CLUB and they help me some. so i guess you can say i'm learning, good habits i hope. i really watch for hazards like blind spots, sand, gravel and so on. the furthest we rode in one day 298 miles & about 15 miles rain, dark, i got home 9pm. (photo gallery, click on Harley Davison, dirt dobber).

[shadowryder]

Thanks everyone for taking the time and effort to respond to my query and I've decided to take my time and complete the MSf course. I got the bike that I want and since I waited this long what's a little longer? Though admittedly I DO actually want to ride it instead of just sitting on it. James, thanks for your 2 cents. I appreciated the age thing.